Zika virus in the Americas and Caribbean

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reports continued transmission of Zika virus in countries in the Americas and the Caribbean.

The following countries have reported cases in 2022:

Bolivia: 173 cases
Brazil: 29 117 cases (4 deaths)
Colombia: 138 cases
Costa Rica: 45 cases
Guatemala: 1 685 cases
Honduras: 37 cases
Mexico: 12 cases
Nicaragua: 4 caes
Panama: 3 cases
Paraguay: 785 cases
Peru: 20 cases
Puerto Rico: 20 cases
Venezuela: 9 cases

Zika virus infection is caused by the Zika virus (ZIKV). It is spread by mosquito bites which in pregnancy may result in congenital zika syndrome, with severe consequences for the baby.

Advice to travellers

Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit ZIKV, are particularly persistent and aggressive biters. They bite between dawn and dusk. All travellers to countries that have reported ZIKV infection must consider:

• strict mosquito bite avoidance measures, especially pregnant travellers and those planning pregnancy
• using condoms and contraception if sexually active, to avoid the sexual transmission of ZIKV and the risk of ZIKV in pregnancy, during travel and on return for 2 months (if female) or 3 months (if male)
• travel insurance: pregnant women should check with their travel insurance company that they are covered under the policy before booking their trip, and be aware that the risk of ZIKV in any country may change during the time between planning the trip and travelling
• if there are any additional travel recommendations for pregnant travellers, those planning pregnancy and for preventing onward sexual transmission: these will be listed under the 'Emerging Health Risks' tab of TRAVAX country pages

See the Zika Virus infection page for further information.